(Trinidad Express) Food vendor Colin Baptiste, who witnessed a double murder two years ago, was shot dead near his workplace in San Fernando on Sunday night.
Baptiste, alias Monkey, of Papourie Road, Duncan Village, was shot in the head and chest near a barbecue outlet at SS Erin Road, Duncan Village,
Police said that at around 8 p.m., while some customers were being served, and others ate at tables, two men shot 35-year-old Baptiste as he stood outside a bar next door the barbecue outlet.
A relative of Baptiste told the Express that a plainclothes policeman is usually on duty at the business place, since it has been robbed several times in the past.
When Baptiste came towards the men, who were not wearing masks, one pulled a firearm and shot him.
As customers scampered for safety, Baptiste’s brother, Jamaal, who was nearby, attempted to pull his brother away from the gunfire but could not save him.
The killers, who were both armed, ran along the SS Erin Road and escaped. Baptiste died while being treated at the San Fernando General Hospital. His murder has taken the murder toll to 180 for the year, according to Express records. The comparable murder toll for last year stood at 175.
Police said yesterday that Baptiste was a witness to the killing of two men at Pleasantville on November 18, 2010.
Rennie Beharry, 29, of Blitz Village, Pleasantville, and Kwasi Preddy, 25, of Pharaoh Avenue, Ste Madeleine, were killed at the Born Free Recreation Club, Pleasantville Terrace, Pleasantville. The shooting was the result of a card game gone sour.
A 29-year-old man of Mon Repos was arrested in April 2011 and charged with the murder of the two men. The preliminary enquiry is expected to begin shortly in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court.
However, investigators said last night that the enquiry was to proceed by way of paper committal, which consist of witness statements being entered into evidence and the defence requesting certain witnesses be called to the court for cross examination.
It was not necessary that Baptiste testify at the enquiry.
